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CME Group Expands into Middle East with Dubai Office Opening

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, has announced the opening of a Dubai office, expanding its presence in the Middle East. The new office, located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), will serve the rapidly growing regional demand for trading CME Group's listed futures, options, and cash markets across various asset classes. The office will be led by Sharif Jaghman, who previously led strategy and growth initiatives in EMEA at CME Group, and will be a hub for the company's Middle East and Africa operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • CME Group has opened a Dubai office, expanding its presence in the Middle East, and will operate locally under a DFSA licence.
  • The office will serve the rapidly growing regional demand for trading CME Group's listed futures, options, and cash markets across various asset classes, including interest rates, equities, FX, energy, agricultural, metals, and cryptocurrency.
  • The Dubai office will be led by Sharif Jaghman, a senior executive with over 17 years of experience in financial services, including various positions at the New York Stock Exchange Technologies (NYSET) and Euronext.
  • CME Group aims to serve the Middle East market with dedication, having focused on education, seminars, and regulatory collaboration in the region for several years.
  • The expansion is part of CME Group's global growth strategy, significantly strengthening its EMEA presence for clients.
  • The UAE office will be a hub for CME Group's Middle East and Africa operations, serving the UAE and surrounding markets.
  • CME Group has recently announced the listing of spot U.S. Dollar / United Arab Emirates Dirham (USD/AED) on EBS Market and EBS Direct, as of June 30, 2025, in response to client demand in the region.

Statistics:

  • CME Group has been focused on the Middle East market for several years, with a focus on education, seminars, and regulatory collaboration.
  • The Dubai office will be CME Group's Middle East hub, serving the UAE and surrounding markets.
  • Sharif Jaghman has over 17 years of experience in financial services, including various positions at the New York Stock Exchange Technologies (NYSET) and Euronext.
  • CME Group's EMEA presence will be significantly strengthened with the opening of the Dubai office.
  • The office will operate under a DFSA licence, serving the growing demand for trading CME Group's listed futures, options, and cash markets across various asset classes.

Sources:

  • "CME Group Expands into Middle East with Dubai Office Opening" - mid-east.info (no date)
  • Julie Winkler, Chief Commercial Officer at CME Group, statement
  • Serge Marston, Head of EMEA, CME Group, statement
  • Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, statement

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